Ellis packs a punch in beating Jamaican boxing star

GYM01 ABC boxer Ellis Booth is in great spirits after passing her international test with flying colors.

Chichester-based Booth was invited to the England selection weekend (south) and had a great day showcasing her skills.

The feedback from the coaches stated she was very talented but might lack the strength for international competition.

Booth and her coaches took this in a very positive manner and set out to prove her worth.

The pre-school teacher was entered in the class B category (under-15 bouts) in the Haringey Cup, but after consultation with her coach, she decided to step up and test her worth in the open-class category.

She faced Sarah Joy-Rae, the Jamaican international with extensive experience including a victory in the world championships who finished one bout away from Olympic qualification.

The bout took place on the massive Haringey stage at Alexandra Palace.

As the bell rang for the start of the first round, Booth came out with purpose, holding centre ring and utilising solid jabs – keeping Joy-Rae on the back foot. Booth sustained this control over the first two rounds, edging ahead with a small points advantage.

In the third round, both boxers seemed to give an extra push, with mutual exchanges landing and some classy combinations.

Booth stepped up in the fourth round and secured the victory in style – landing multiple rear hands to take a unanimous victory and earn a superb roar from the crowd.

Coach Mike Clark said: “Ellis has had a hard year returning to her boxing. Previously she had taken two years out because of education and work. But she returned this season with a passion, easily hitting her weight of 54kg, hitting her fitness without question and then hitting her target.

“Ellis is a committed individual who is after only thing – her England/GB vest. I am hoping that after such a convincing victory over an established international, Ellis will get a call-up to represent her country.

“It does not matter when or where – Ellis is staying in the gym ready for that phone call.”